Despite dominating possession and chances on goal, Ecuador simply couldn't make the most of their opportunities, whilst Bolivia showed the utmost efficiency and clinical finishing.

Playing as the tip of the lance in a 4-2-3-1 formation, West Ham forward Enner Valencia was given the responsibility of getting goals for his team. However, whilst he certainly didn't lack for industry and intention, his attempts were met with frustration in the first half.

Amidst a flurry of early chances, Bolivia took a 5th minute lead through Ronald Raldes. As Ecuador tried to level the game, Valencia had a great opportunity to grab an equaliser in the 15th minute, but couldn't make the most of it, denied by defender Zenteno.

Bolivia punished that by scoring a second goal in the 18th minute, as Smedberg-Dalence made the most of his opportunity with a low drive into the back of the net.

Valencia could have hauled Ecuador back into the game, but was once more denied on the half-hour, unable to steer his shot beyond the Bolivia keeper.

The best opportunity came in the 38th minute, when Valencia was given the responsibility of converting a penalty, but even from the spot, the West Ham star couldn't find the back of the net. His effort saved by Quiñonez.

Just to add insult to injury and moments before the half-time interval, Bolivia made the most of a penalty they were awarded at the other end, as Moreno fired his team three goals ahead.

Ecuador needed to make a reaction in the second half and just three minutes after the restart, they did just that, grabbing a lifeline in the game.

Valencia managing to strike in the 48th minute, making no mistakes this time with a precise right-footed finish.

Ecuador manager Gustavo Quinteros rang in the changes with two substitutes, as his team continued to dominate play, but still had a mountain to climb.

Even switching to a more attacking 4-1-3-2 formation and partnering Valencia with Bolaños, despite further chances to score, Bolivia were proving stubborn at the back, switching to a defensive 5-4-1 system.

The Bolivian bus remained firmly parked in front of their goal, as Ecuador continued to attack. A flamboyant free-kick effort from Valencia in the 75th minute, but one that sailed well beyond its intended target.

Eventually it was his strike partner Bolaños who did find the back of the net in the 81st minute, giving the Bolivian goalkeeper no chance, and his side a lifeline in the final stage of the game.

Ecuador kept pushing for the equaliser, maintaining the pressure on Bolivia right to the death. In the end however, the damage inflicted in the first half, proved too much to recover from.

After losing their opening game against hosts Chile, this defeat against Bolivia effectively spells the end of the tournament for Enner Valencia and Ecuador, ahead of their final encounter against Mexico.

Heath Chesters

Heath Chesters moved from Spain to England in 2005 and never looked back. Enjoying a Spanish football adventure with Granada CF, he eventually joined the press department at the club. As a La Liga correspondent at HITC Sport, he aims to share his insight and enthusiasm for the game in Spain.